Most folks would consider Lincoln to be the beginning of the mountains being immediately south of Cannon Mountain and home to Loon Mountain. It was originally a logging town, but became well-established as a destination for vacationers early on. It is the second largest town in the state by area, after Pittsburg in the Great North Woods and begins the western end of the Kancamagus Highway.

Lincoln is the home of numerous White Mountain Attractions, including the Flume, Clark's Trading Post, Whale's Tail Waterpark and Loon Mountain resort.

Alpine Adventures is designed for the daredevil sightseer. Zip lines allow visitors to soar across nearly three miles of mountain countryside. Those who prefer to be seated might wish to visit Out Back Kayak: they offer 80 scenic acres including a private pond, sand dune, plateau, ample wooded trails and varied terrain following the Pemigewasset River for kayaking, paintball and ATV tours. Yikes!

For the more sedate members of your group, Pemi Valley Moose Tours, 36 Main Street, offers a glimpse at Bullwinkle in his natural habitat from the comfort of an air conditioned bus and Pirate's Cove offers a particularly beautiful miniature golf course.

Nearby, the Basin at Franconia Notch is a free destination and worth seeing. The 20 foot wide crack in the Earth can be seen by accessing by a lovely trail, perfect for a toasty summer day.

Flapjack's Pancake House, 149 Main Street offers breakfast and lunch, and by the lines outside, is mighty popular. The Gypsy Cafe, 117 Main Street, offers Asian-Italian-American fusion. The Sunny Day Diner is a highly-rated diner. The Common Man, 10 Pollard Road, is an indigenous NH chain and quite popular. Black Mountain Burger Company, 264 Main Street, offers great food at great values with plates starting at $4.

Lincoln has many lodging choices, including bed and breakfasts.

We admit it's a tourist trap, but it's a very enjoyable one at that. Lincoln has nostalgic appeal, and great views.